1.Brihadeshwara Temple (Thanjavur): This too is known as the Big Temple, and this one is a Shiva temple constructed by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadeshwara is an example of fine craftsmanship of the Chola dynasty. The vimana here is one of the tallest in the world; the walls are adorned with intricate sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

2.Thanjai Mamani Temple: This is one of the three temples located on the top of a hill near Thanjavur and is antiquated. It is the shrine for Lord Shiva who is worshiped as Lord Mamani. The temple is very peculiar for its excellent stone sculptures and it holds a definite historical significance-to portray the mastery of early Tamil architecture.

3.Bangaru Kamakshi Amman Temple: Pledged to the goddess Kamakshi, who is one of the incaranions of Parvati, the temple is known for its golden idol of the goddess; it is very rare in South Indian temples. Several mythological stories are narrated through the beautiful carvings and sculptures in this temple, hence, it acts as a major cultural and spiritual center in Thanjavur.

4.Swaminatha Swami Temple: Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this temple can be seen on top of a small hill where he is also worshipped as Swaminatha Swami. It is also one of the six Aarupadai Veedu of Murugan. Many legends of Murugan have been depicted intricately on the sculptures around the temple, one of which talks about his role as that of the teacher to Lord Shiva.

5.Alangudi Guru Temple: Dedicated for the worship of Guru (Jupiter), one of the nine Navagrahas according to Hindu astrology, the temple is located in the village of Alangudi. It is blessed by those who want good fortune in respect of wisdom and academic success. The Dravidian architectural, colourful sculptures, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit.

6.Chandra Bagwan Temple (Thingalur): This temple is dedicated to the Moon God, Chandra, and is part of Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu. It is fabled for its peaceful surroundings. The place is tagged with classic Dravidian architecture as well as scintillating sculptures. According to people’s beliefs, here lies a chance of reducing the weak moon in one’s kundali.

7.Chakrapani Temple (Kumbakonam): A beautiful temple worshipped by Lord Vishnu and said to be carrying the divine discus, Chakra. The famous gopurams and Thanjavur-style sculptures make this temple one of the greatest to offer a visit and a stopover for pilgrimage site devotees of Lord Vishnu and in plenty of elaborate festivals.

8.Thyagaraja Temple (Thiruvarur): It’s a massive temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, but he is referred to as Thyagaraja here. Known for its spiritual connotations and vast courtyards and gopurams, some of the finest details in the sculptures of Lord Shiva are there, which is why it stands as one of the must-visit places for devotees as well as history lovers.

9.Aiyarappar Temple (Thiruvaiyaru): This is one of the most important Shiva temples in the district and is served by Lord Shiva as Aiyarappar. The massive temple complex houses many sacred tanks and mandapas (halls) carved out with ornate carvings and is associated with many religious festivals and rituals.

10.Swamimalai Swaminatha Swamy Temple: It is a Murugan temple who represents him as Swaminatha, the “Teacher of Shiva”. It is on top of a man-made hill. It obtains impressive spiritual feels and Dravidian architecture in the form of exquisitely sculpted forms of a variety of scenes related to mythological stories.

11.Vellai Vinayakar Koil Temple (Thanjavur): Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it is renowned for its uniquely white idol of the deity, known as Vellai Vinayakar (White Ganesha). The temple is a quite place of worship that has been known for its simplicity and the peaceful atmosphere, which attracts devotees for blessings of wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

12.Kampaheswarar Temple (Thirubuvanam): Dedicated to Lord Shiva in this temple, Kampaheswarar is “the remover of fear”. The serene atmosphere and beautiful carvings in stones make this a lesser-known but profoundly spiritual destination for the Thanjavur district.

13.Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam: This temple is beautiful in wall paintings and sculptures where scenes of the Ramayana have been shown. The architecture is typical of the Dravidian style. It is a treasure in Thanjavur region in meticulous details and ornate carvings.

14.Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram): A UN World Heritage Site and one of the masterpieces of Chola architecture, this temple is the creation of Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple architecture with its stone carvings depicted varied mythological stories which makes it one among the finest examples of Tamil temple architecture.

15.Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Brihadisvara Temple: Gangaikonda Cholapuram was constructed by Rajendra Chola I, a second cousin of Rajaraja I, as his own capital and an important representation in the lineage in his new region. Because Gangaikonda Cholapuram is the replica of the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, but with features unique to it, the same authorities give it the classification of “Great Living Chola Temples” as a World Heritage Site. The enormous lingam and the very richly adorned vimana are two of the vital points of interest that talk of the grandeur of Chola architecture.